Will You Make These Mistakes When You Buy Retail POS

Will You Make These Mistakes When You Buy Retail Point of Saby Jeff Haefner

If you're like most retailers, you're worried about making amistake when you choose point of sale (POS) software. Idon't blame you. Buying POS software is a big investment.Not to mention, POS software can have huge impact on theefficiency and success of your retail business!

What's more, there are around 1,000 different POS systems tochoose from. And they're all different. All these choicescan be overwhelming and confusing.

The truth is... choosing POS software is very difficult.Andtoo many retailers end up with the wrong system. In fact,it's common for retailers to go through 2, 3 or even 4different POS systems before they find one they're happywith. Those mistakes probably cost at least $10,000 -$100,000.

Here are a few mistakes that I see retailers making over andover again.

They Buy Hardware First

I can't tell you how many times I've heard a retailer say,"I just bought new computers, printers and I have everythingready to go. Now I need to find POS software."

As soon as I hear that, I think to myself, "This guy couldhave saved himself a lot of time and money if he selectedhis POS software first!"

Why?

First of all, your POS software will have hardware andoperating system requirements. For example, the softwarewill require a certain version of Windows, Unix or Linux.(Unless it's an "open architecture" system like ASP) Inaddition, each program will only function with certain typesof printers, scanners, cash drawers and card readers.

Second, and more importantly, not all POS systems are thesame. And the system that you choose is very important. Itwill have a huge impact on the efficiency of your business!If you install your computer system first, you will limityour POS software choices. The perfect fit for your"unique" business might run on UNIX but you already bought aWindows 2003 Server! You might also find that the printersand scanners you just bought aren't compatible either.

You can avoid frustration and save money if you choose thePOS software first. Then you can ask the software companyabout their recommended hardware and operating systems.

They Ask the Wrong People

All too often retailers ask a local computer consultant forsuggestions about POS software. Most computer consultantshave good intentions but they tend to give poor advice whenit comes to choosing POS software.

Computer consultants are great sources for information aboutcomputers, hardware, and networking. However they don'tusually understand the intricacies of POS software andretail management. Nor do they realize that there arealmost 1,000 different POS systems to choose from and it'sVERY easy to choose the wrong one.

Every retail business is different and has different needs.If you get poor advice and select the wrong type of system,your business will lose money.

They Don't Place Enough Focus on the Character of theSoftware Company

When you invest in point of sale software, you're buying arelationship, not just a product. In fact, the "quality" ofthe software company is usually just as important as theproduct.

Why is the software company so important?
Well...

After you purchase the software, you will rely on thesoftware company to supply updates, training, technicalsupport, and possibly hardware.

Let me ask you a few questions to help you understand whythe company is so important...- What if the software company went out of business? (Dozensof POS software companies come and go every year!)
- What if they don't give you software updates when you needthem?
- What if it takes 2 days to get your technical questionsanswered?
- What if the software has a bug and they don't fix it?
- What if they didn't give you sufficient training? And as aresult, your sales reports are showing the wrong totals!
- What if you can't print and it takes 6 hours to get helpfrom a support technician?

The truth is, the level of service and the financialstability of the software company is very important. It'scritical to evaluate the software company; otherwise youcould run into some frustrating and expensive problems.

They Pass The Buck

Too many owners give the responsibility of choosing a POSsystem to an employee or a computer consultant that is notfamiliar with your industry. This is a huge mistake!

Top management and other key personnel must be involved inthe selection and implementation process. You should neverrely solely on a consultant's recommendation or input.

The person that evaluates the software must have in-depthknowledge about your business!

POS software is complicated. Not to mention it can make ahuge difference in your businesses productivity. POSsoftware is too important to pass the evaluation process tosomeone else!

I see owners and managers make this mistake all the time.Don't make the same one!

They Overlook Important Features

Unless you are a retail POS expert, it's difficult to sortthrough countless POS systems and figure out what you need.What's more, it's difficult to understand the "true"potential of your POS system. As a result, many retailersget confused and they overlook important features that wouldsave them a lot of time and money.

Most people don't realize that every POS system is VERYdifferent. Some are designed for large ticket items liketractors. And others are designed to work in fast movingretail environments like a grocery store.

As a result, it's common for retailers to end up with POSsoftware that isn't really designed for them. That's whyit's important to properly analyze the needs of yourbusiness (even if you're a small retailer). Then you cancreate a list of features that are important. That listwill help you compare and choose the right system.

This might seem complicated, but with a little guidance, youcan quickly find the right POS system. You just need toknow which mistakes to avoid, where to look, and the rightformula.

About the Author

Jeff Haefner is the author of "The Point of Sale SoftwareBuyers Guide -- How to Choose POS Software and AvoidProblems." It will teach you the secrets to choosing POSsoftware for ANY retail business. If you'd like to learnhow to avoid problems, save time, and boost efficiency thencheck out => http://www.possoftwareguide.com

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